Ghani asks MoF to allocate $25m for coronavirus fight

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani has asked the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to allocate $25 million for preemptive measures to prevent coronavirus outbreak.

At least seven suspected coronavirus cases have been detected, including one positive, in western Herat province.

In a statement, the Presidential Palace said an extraordinary meeting was held to take strong measures against coronavirus outbreak.

Public Health Director Dr. Ferozuddin Feroz said: “Necessary preparations are underway in five key areas, monitoring the detection of cases, coordination, controlling the cases, promotion of health services and controlling gangers and evaluation of needs.”

Acting foreign minister, Mohammad Haroon Chakhansouri, deputy minister of refugees and repatriation, Dr. Alima, deputy minister of commerce Abdul Karim Malikyar briefed the president on measures taken for safety, exports, imports to the region and coordination with Iran.

President Ghani ordered the relevant administrations to work in full coordination towards preventing the coronavirus spread.

Ghani asked the MoF to provide $15 million fund to MoPH and reserve another $10 million for the purpose.

Ghani stressed the need for awareness about the dangerous virus, saying awareness should be provided in universities, schools and crowded areas.

Presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqi would organize a public awareness plan.

Provincial governors were directed to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns about the coronavirus.

Sa/ma